BAKU, Azerbaijan, Mar.8
Trend:
The power consumption during winter peak has reduced due to energy tariffs in the so-called Omid plan, said Iran's Minister of Energy.
"Users with high consumption had six-month deadline since November to reduce their consumption to average and if they have more needs the tariff would increase to 10 percent for them that led to reduction of power consumption during peak," said Reza Ardakanian, Trend reports citing Fars News Agency.
"The Omid power plan (that rewards low power consumption users with 100 percent discount on electricity bill and fine high power consumption users), generates income from users with high power consumption. Following the start of the plan, a total of 22.5 percent of power users had low consumption, 49 percent had average consumption and 28.5 percent had high consumption comparing to winter peak in last Iranian year (started March 21, 2019)," he added.
The users with high consumption have reduced in the current Iranian year (started March 20, 2020) from 35 percent to 28.5 percent that benefited the Omid power plan.
"It is necessary that we build a new power plant in New Iranian year (starts March 21, 2021)since the country is developing and we have provided 10 percent more energy to big industries in current Iranian year however we reduce the consumption peak and Omid power plan help to save for investments," he noted.
"The government would not prevent the reform of energy carrier tariff system, with Omid power plan power tariff has increased 10 percent for users with high power consumption. Iran provides $21 million energy subsidies, the energy supply and setting tariffs is considering the issue," Ardakanian pointed out.
Iran’s government has approved a plan to provide free water, gas, and electricity to 30 million citizens. The plan is targeted to support low-income strata families of Iran, who are suffering from financial issues due to the pandemic.